While dual-core processors are a common trait when high-end smartphones are concerned, mid range devices pretty much always stick to single-core CPUs. But not the Samsung Galaxy S Advance – inside it ticks a 1GHz dual-core chipset made by ST-Ericsson. The rest of its specs look pretty decent as well for a mid-range Android smartphone: 4-inch Super AMOLED display with WVGA resolution, 5-megapixel camera with auto-focus and LED flash, 14.4Mbps 3G radio, and 8 or 16 gigs of on-board storage.
The Samsung Galaxy S Advance is not available on the market yet, but what we have here is a prototype unit of the smartphone. Care to learn more about it? Then read along...
Design:
Upon holding the Samsung Galaxy S Advance for the first time, we noticed that it sports more than a few design cues present in other Samsung devices, such as the Galaxy Nexus flagship. And that, of course, is a good thing as it adds a dose of premium feel to an otherwise mid-range device. On one hand, we have a curved glass display meant to follow the shape of the user's face more naturally. On the other, the fine texture on its back feels nice to the touch and adds a bit of extra grip. Furthermore, it is slightly thicker and heavier at the bottom, which makes it a bit more comfortable to grasp.
You can compare the Samsung Galaxy S Advance with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.
The outlay of the three Android buttons located under the smartphone's display is familiar as well: a big physical home key is located in the middle, accompanied by two capacitive buttons for the menu and back functions. Fortunately, the capacitive buttons are not prone to accidental presses. Last but not least, the volume rocker and power key, which reside on the smartphone's left and right side respectively, respond with an excellent click when pressed.
Display:
The 4-inch Super AMOLED display on the Samsung Galaxy S Advance has a resolution of 480 by 800 pixels and uses a PenTile pixel arrangement. When HD smartphone displays are concerned, that shouldn't really make much of a difference, but on this WVGA display, small text appears slightly jagged. Looking at the good side of things, the display exhibits bright, punchy colors and high contrast levels, just like the case is with today's AMOLED displays. Also, it is bright enough to be used comfortably in broad daylight.
The 4-inch display
Samsung GALAXY S Advance 360-degrees View:
Drag the picture or use the keyboard arrows to rotate the phone. Double click or press keyboard
Space to zoom in/out.
Drag the picture in the desired orientation to rotate the phone.
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